A new foxtail millet variety “Yuikogane” was developed at Kenpoku agricultural
institute. The variety selected from the cross between two landraces of
Iwate prefecture, by pedigree method. In 2005, the cross was made between
“Nisatai-zairai” as female and “Otsuchi 10” as male. “Nisatai-zairai” was
collected from Ninohe city located in northern Iwate, and “Otsuchi 10”
from Otsuchi town located in east coast of Iwate.

“Yuikogane” is inherited bright yellowish endosperm, big grain size and
thick stem from maternal line, and glutinous endosperm from paternal line.
In 2012, the variety was adapted as fifth recommended variety of Iwate,
for its good grain quality favored by consumers, merchants and food processors.
It had been 43 years since former 4 foxtail millet recommended varieties
was abolished.

The yielding ablity of “Yuikogane” is about 30% higher than that of landrace
“Taira”, which has been cultured in Iwate. Furthermore, yellowish endosperm
color of “Yuikogane” is brightest among 7 glutinous foxtail millet genetic
resources stocked in Iwate. The variety is expected as useful material
of new millet foods. And its effect may grow foxtail millet production
in Iwate and domestic market of the millet. “Yuikogane” is applied for
registration.